Canon has announced the launch of a new Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM – a smaller, lighter and more affordable kit lens ideally suited to the EOS RP for a compact travel setup.
With its wide focal range, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is a versatile lens equipped to capture a range of different scenes and subjects – including macro photography, using an innovative new mode – making it a key addition to the Canon RF lens roadmap.
Weighing a scant 395g and measuring just 89 x 77mm, this new RF 24-105mm is small and light – especially compared to the existing Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, which is much chunkier at 700g and 84 x 107mm. That's understandable, though, given the larger lens' constant aperture and L-series construction.
Still, although smaller, Canon says that the new model is still a sturdy and well-built optic. And the size is definitely an advantage; with the RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 mounted to the Canon EOS RP, its combined weight comes to just 880g.
Like us, you’re probably wondering about the new f/4-7.1 aperture range. Obviously the narrower apertures enable Canon to keep the amount of glass and physical size down, but is this at the cost of image quality and focusing?
We asked the manufacturer and it explained that, with the advanced AF system of the Canon EOS R and RP, plus the ability to use higher ISOs without fear of noise these days, shooting at f/7.1 isn’t the problem it once was when struggling with slow focusing and slow shutter speeds. However, we’ll reserve judgement once we’ve had a chance to fully test the lens at f/7.1 and 105mm in challenging lighting conditions, and when targeting active subjects.
To give enthusiasts the option for better close-up photos, the lens gets a new Canon-developed 0.5x Center Focus Macro mode. This provides high magnification at 24mm with a 13cm minimum focus distance – so subjects in the centre of the frame are pin-sharp and detailed, while the edges of the image fade away into an attractive blur. We can’t wait to try this out!
Its STM (stepping motor) autofocus provides fast AF control for stills and smooth, quiet performance during video capture, with 5-stop image stabilization for shake-free shots – which should be especially useful when shooting at f/7.1. It also possesses Canon’s Super Spectra Coating, for high optical performance across the frame with minimal ghosting and flare.
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is available from April with a retail price of $399.99 / £459.99. EOS RP and EOS R kits including this lens will follow.
• Preorder the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM from B&H Photo
• Preorder the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM from Wex Photo Video
Read more:
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Canon RF lens roadmap: current and future lenses for the Canon EOS R
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